Renowned cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle has shared his insights on Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, evaluating the team’s composition, strengths, and possible lineup. LSG, who have been a consistent playoff contender, have made some strategic moves this season, particularly in reinforcing their middle order and pace attack. Bhogle believed LSG’s success in IPL 2025 will hinge on the form of Rishabh Pant, the all-round abilities of Mitchell Marsh, and the performances of their Indian pacers, Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan.
Powerful top 0rder – Harsha Bhogle’s choice for LSG
1. Mitchell Marsh (Overseas – Opener/All-rounder)
Marsh is set to be a key figure for LSG this season. A destructive batter at the top and a useful medium pacer, Marsh adds firepower to the batting lineup. Marsh’s injury record is the only concern for LSG, but if he remains available for the full season, he can be a game-changer.
“When fit, Mitch Marsh is an extraordinary player. He provides immense power at the top and can bowl crucial overs. However, his body keeps letting him down, and his fitness remains a concern,” Bhogle noted.
2. Rishabh Pant (Captain & Wicketkeeper – Opener/No. 3)
Bhogle suggests that Pant could open the innings, a role he enjoys in T20 cricket.
“Don’t be surprised if Pant opens the batting. He’s always said he likes playing at the top. If he does, it could be a masterstroke for LSG,” Bhogle remarked.
3. Aiden Markram (Overseas – No. 3 Batter)
With Aiden Markram also in the squad, LSG have flexibility in their top order. Pant’s ability to counterattack against both pace and spin makes him an ideal candidate to set the tone. If Pant does open, Markram could bat at No. 3, providing stability and rotating strike effectively.
“Markram is a solid player at No. 3. He can hold the innings together and accelerate when needed,” Bhogle stated.
A middle order built for power-hitting and stability
4. Nicholas Pooran (Overseas – Wicketkeeper-Batter/Finisher)
Pooran has been one of the most destructive T20 finishers, and his stats in 2024 were phenomenal:
2,331 runs across all T20 matches
Average: 41 | Strike Rate: 157
176 sixes, 160 boundaries
“Pooran is a match-winner. His finishing ability makes him indispensable. He will be LSG’s key player at No. 4,” Bhogle said.
5. David Miller (Overseas – Finisher)
LSG went all-in on Miller to solve their chasing problems from last season. His experience in pressure situations makes him a perfect addition.
“They lacked a proper finisher last year. With Miller at No. 5, LSG now have one of the best chasers in T20 cricket,” Bhogle added.
6. Ayush Badoni (Indian – Explosive Middle-Order Batter)
The young Ayush Badoni has been impressive as a finisher. Despite his small frame, he packs a punch when it comes to power-hitting.
“You look at Badoni, and you wonder how far he can hit the ball. Then he plays a shot, and it flies into the stands. He will be crucial in the final overs,” Bhogle observed.
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Bowling All-Rounders and Spin Options
7. Shahbaz Ahmed (Indian – All-rounder)
Shahbaz Ahmed has been brought in to replace Krunal Pandya. He has performed well in domestic cricket, but his bowling needs improvement.
“Shahbaz had a great Mushtaq Ali Trophy with the bat, but his bowling wasn’t as effective. If he steps up as a bowler, he will be a key asset,” Bhogle explained.
8. Ravi Bishnoi (Indian – Lead Spinner)
Ravi Bishnoi remains LSG’s main wicket-taking spinner in the middle overs.
“Bishnoi is a game-changer. He can break crucial partnerships and put pressure on the opposition,” Bhogle said.
LSG’s Indian pace battery – Strength in Speed
9. Yash Thakur (Indian – Fast Bowler)
Thakur has been one of the most consistent Indian pacers in recent IPL seasons.
“Day in, day out, Yash Thakur delivers. He is reliable and provides control with the ball,” Bhogle noted.
10. Mayank Yadav (Indian – Express Fast Bowler)
LSG spent INR 11 crore to retain the young Mayank Yadav, who is known for his raw pace and aggression.
“Mayank bowls like the wind. If he stays fit, he will be one of the fastest bowlers in IPL 2025,” Bhogle emphasized.
11. Mohsin Khan (Indian – Left-arm Fast Bowler)
Mohsin Khan has shown glimpses of his talent but hasn’t reached his full potential yet.
“Mohsin has all the attributes to be a great left-arm pacer. If he stays fit, LSG will have one of the best fast-bowling attacks,” Bhogle concluded.
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